Thomas Michael Music School

About Us

Personalized Piano & Drum Lessons

We welcome Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced Students

Interested in taking piano or drum lessons? We welcome beginner, intermediate and advanced students. Your music education is personalized, taking into account where each student is at and where the student would like to go.

Along with teaching the foundations of music, we believe learning should be enjoyable. Below are areas of music we cover for each instrument. We also offer a free first lesson!

Piano Technique

Learning these techniques will go a long way to help each student develop good habits.

Sitting relaxed yet with a straight-back.
Comfortable shoulder position, avoiding hunch.
Fingers should have a curve, as if holding a ball.
Maintaining a relaxed wrist.
Making sure right foot reaches pedal and maintain overall good posture.

Drum Technique

Learning to approach the drums correctly will help the student accel in their growth.

Learning how to properly hold your drum sticks
Body form when sitting at drum pad or snare drum, also learning good form when playing drum kit.
Learning to play from the wrists
Types of drum rolls
Single and double stroke exercises

Reading Music and Theory

Teaching students how to read music notation and understand theory, covering but not limited to: learning the music staff, major/minor scales, key signatures and different time signatures. This applies to both piano and drums.

Rhythm Exercises for Both Piano and Drums

We teach rhythm for both piano and drums. A solid foundation in understanding rhythm and being able to play or tap out beats in real-time is vital for both piano and drum students. Time signatures, and application of grooves and beats will be taught .

Role of Parent or Guardian

It is important to note that the role of the parent or guardian is vital in the students progress. Parents or Guardians are welcome to sit in the lesson if that is of interest. Being that encourager will help the student keep on pursuing their instrument, lessons, practice and the joy that comes with playing music.

Personalized Lessons Include:

Lesson Plan:
- Talking through your practice schedule and making a lesson plan that is best suited for each student.
Music Goals:
- Setting realistic goals with each student and having a plan for each quarter.
Enjoyment of Music and Listening Activity:
- Periodically listening to great music examples that are relevant to the music each student is working on, citing music history when applicable, enjoying music and encouraging growth in students musical abilities.

Creativity and Joy

Learning the foundations of music is important, but just as important is recognizing that creativity and joy should be a part of the process. Often when practicing, some of the best musical insights can be realized through experimentation and exploration of your instrument. This attitude toward teaching music is maintained in lessons.

Free First Lesson (meet and greet)

Set up your free first lesson and see if this is the right place for you. You can click here to request a free lesson and we will set up a time to meet with your student and you.